Gamers Find Legal Way to Get Three Days Off to Play GTA VI in Germany

A course in Germany has drawn attention as a way to take paid leave to study open-world games, a category that includes the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.

With Grand Theft Auto VI approaching release, companies have sought to use interest in the new installment to attract attention. Players outside Germany recently learned about an unusual way to take official paid leave to play GTA VI.

German law provides for Bildungsurlaub, or educational leave. People have the right to take several days off to participate in recognized courses.

The course “Open World Games: Lessons from a Digital World” runs from November 18 to 20 and is recognized in several German states. Its creators say participants will use open-world games as an environment for research and learning:

At each stage, you will receive a specific research assignment. You will document your observations, analyze them with the group, and apply the resulting insights to professional tasks. Gaming skill and completing missions are not the main focus.

Геймеры нашли способ получить три законных выходных для игры в GTA VI в Германии — Image source: Rockstar Games

According to the course description, participants will learn how game mechanics encourage motivation and engagement through gamification, as well as the possibilities and limitations of AI and digital tools. They will also learn how brands build long-term customer loyalty through experiences and analyze game worlds from social, cultural, and economic perspectives.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

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